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E-bike conversion kits enhance the good aspects of riding and soften the hardships; you can go faster for longer and don’t need to pedal as hard. So if you usually end up drenched in sweat before you get to the office or want to add some oomph to your weekend adventures, these kits are for you. There’s a kit out there for every type of bicyclist which, if you don’t know what to look for, can make it hard to pick the best model for you.
We’ve made a buying guide to help you understand the different types of kits and what to consider before making a decision. You’ll also find a list of the top e-bike conversion kits on the market today.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Aventon Soltera.2 Step-Through Ebike
- Best Value: Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit
- Honorable Mention: Bafang BBSHD 1000W
- Best Fat-Tire: Ebikeling Conversion Kit For Fat Wheels
- Best Value Mid-Drive: Tongsheng TSDZ2B
Our Methodology
To choose the best e-bike conversion kits on the market, we employed a comprehensive research methodology. We evaluated dozens of kits before choosing the top contenders. Although we haven’t personally tested these products, our selection is informed by consumer testimonials, expert reviews, discussions on relevant online forums, and our institutional knowledge of the automotive industry.
We visited Cycling News and E-bike Choices to get an overview of the industry from cycling experts. We also searched Reddit to get a more informed opinion of what e-bike enthusiasts felt about the products on the market.
Some brands are already well-established in this niche, and priority was given to those products. However, other lesser-known brands were also evaluated. The main features taken into consideration were price, wattage, amount of torque, drive type, compatibility, battery options, sensor type, reliability, ease of fitting, and included accessories. Conversion kits were immediately disqualified from consideration if they were unreliable or hazardous in any way.
Best E-Bike Conversion Kits: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Aventon Soltera.2 Step-Through Ebike
Pros
- IPX4 water-resistant
- Range up to 46 miles
- Throttle and pedal-assist modes
- Rear-hub motor
Cons
- Less range and power than higher-end models
- No suspension
You could buy an e-bike conversion kit, but I would just buy an e-bike, and it’d be the Aventon Soltera.2. If you need an e-bike to get out and explore or commute, this is the bike for you. Anyone who wants to build an e-bike should check out the rest of my conversion kit picks. This model’s 350-watt rear hub motor gives it a top speed of 20 mph. Powering the motor is a 36-volt 9.6Ah battery, which is a tad on the small side but means it can integrate into the bike’s frame. The battery gives this bike a range of 20 to 46 miles, depending on if you’re using throttle-only mode or pedal-assist.
The bicycle is offered in a regular size — recommended for riders between 4’11” and 5’7″ in height — and a large size — recommended for riders 5’7″ in height and up. A backlit LCD display relays information to the rider, and you can also use the companion app to track your bike’s important stats. The Soltera.2 has gained a few extra pounds compared to the previous model, weighing in at 46 pounds. But, the Soltera.2 also offers an upgraded torque sensor, 20mm bigger brakes, and frame-integrated front and rear lights with turning signals. The Soltera.2 is down on power and overall range compared to Aventon’s more premium offers, but it has a lot to offer in a small, reasonably-priced package.
Best Value: Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit
Pros
- Great value for money
- Relatively easy to fit
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Motor weighs 12.9 pounds
- Just 30 newton-meters of torque
- No battery included
The Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit is a great value, practical piece of kit. Since this is a front-wheel hub motor, it’s the easiest type to fit and, if you get a flat, it’s easier to fix than a rear-hub motor. The kit comes with an aluminum double-walled rim with a hub motor already attached, so all you need to do is fit a tire. The 1,200-watt motor weighs 12.9 pounds, making it one of the heavier models on this list. Although it’s a high-watt motor with a peak power output of 1,450 watts, it only produces 30 newton-meters of torque which is a downside to using a front-wheel hub motor: it can’t handle a lot of power.
Included in the sale is a TFT 750C LCD screen, which mounts on the handlebars and shows speed, mileage, pedal-assist mode, and battery life. You’ll also get a throttle, pedal-assist system, torque arm, and brake levers. Since a throttle is included in the sale, you can operate the motor without pedaling. All of the brand’s motors come with a one-year warranty. Unfortunately, no battery or tire is included in the kit, so you’ll need to buy these separately.
Honorable Mention: Bafang BBSHD 1000W
Pros
- 1,000-watt motor
- 160 newton-meters of torque
- Mid-drive motor
Cons
- Doesn’t include battery
- Highest end of the price spectrum
- Not suitable for carbon fiber bikes
If performance is your top priority, then the Bafang BBSHD 1000W could be for you. This 1,000-watt mid-crank motor pumps out 160 newton-meters of torque, which is more than any other model on this list and enough to tackle 40-degree hill angles. Depending on rider weight and conditions, it should propel you to over 30 mph with ease, with some riders achieving more than 40 mph. Since the motor is so powerful, it’s often only suitable for off-road and private property use. This kit is on the high end of the price spectrum but, unfortunately, doesn’t come with a torque sensor and uses a cadence sensor instead.
You can operate the motor via PAS or the included thumb throttle and though the kit doesn’t include a battery, even without a power source, it’ll still add around 16 pounds to your bicycle. Included in the sale are an LCD screen, brake lever or brake sensor, chainring wheel, crank, speed sensor, lock nuts, e-bike headlight or tail light, and cables. Since the motor is so powerful, you’ll need to make sure your frame, cassettes, and chain are heavy-duty, or they could get damaged. The kit is designed to fit a JIS standard 68-73mm bottom.
Best Fat-Tire: Ebikeling Conversion Kit For Fat Wheels
Pros
- Fits 26-inch fat tire rims
- 1,200-watt motor
- Top speed over 25 mph
Cons
- Just 30 newton-meters of torque
- Relatively heavy
- Battery not included
The Ebikeling Conversion Kit For Fat Wheels ensures anyone who rides a fat-tire bike isn’t left out of the e-bike scene. This kit comes with a ready-to-install aluminum double-walled rim and rear hub motor that’s suitable for 26-inch fat tires. There are 30 newton-meters of torque on tap from the direct-drive 1,200-watt hub motor, which is enough for a top speed exceeding 25 mph, and this rear-hub model is better suited to rough terrain than its front-wheel counterpart, as the rider will have more traction.
Included in the sale are a brushless motor controller, LED screen, twist or thumb throttle, pedal-assist sensor, freewheel, brake levers with safety switches, tube liner, and installation hardware. The wheel is compatible with V-type and disc brakes. However, there’s no battery or tire included in the kit, meaning you’ll have to pick them up separately. The motor and wheel have a combined weight of 15.8 pounds, so if you need to place the battery over your rear wheel, it could unbalance the bike. You’ll also need a bit more technical know-how to fit this kit when compared to a front hub model, and it’ll be more difficult to disassemble and maintain.
Best Value Mid-Drive: Tongsheng TSDZ2B
Pros
- 500-watt motor
- Torque sensor for smooth power
- Upgraded dual-clutch design
- One-year warranty, with maintenance service and technical support in U.S.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other conversion kits
- Minimal installation documentation
The Tongsheng TSDZ2B Ebike Kit allows you to get the performance of a mid-drive kit without the high price tag of a pre-built electric bike. The 500-watt motor produces up to 100 newton-meters of torque. The newest model also comes equipped with a dual-clutch on the main gear, which should make pedaling a smoother experience. Included in the sale are a thumb throttle, torque sensor, speed sensor, and an LED monitor. There are cutoff brake levers, which stop power from the motor when you use the brakes.
The TSDZ2B is available with various battery options, depending on what you prefer in terms of shape and placement. The model we chose comes with a traditional 48-volt 19.2Ah Hailong Max Battery. This is one of the lighter motors on the market, weighing just 7.9 pounds. It uses a torque sensor that detects the amount of force you apply and then applies a proportional amount of power from the motor. For many riders, this type of pedal assistance feels more natural, which makes it well-suited to mountain bike riding. Tongsheng also offers a one-year warranty for the TSDZ2B. Although this is a drop-in kit, you’ll still need some technical know-how to put it together and run the wires efficiently.
Our Verdict on the Best E-Bike Conversion Kits
When you consider the cost of a conversion kit and a decent bicycle, it makes the most sense to buy the Aventon Soltera.2. This e-bike is great value for money, looks sleek, and is ready to ride. If you’re on a tight budget, then check out the Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit. It has enough performance for commuters and should be relatively easy to fit and maintain.
What to Consider When Buying an E-Bike Conversion Kit
Unless you’re an expert in the niche, it’s difficult to know what e-bike conversion kit is right for you. There are tons of manufacturers producing different kit types at different wattages. This buying guide will outline the main e-bike kit types and key features to consider before making up your mind.
Types of E-Bike Conversion Kits
Front Hub
A front hub electric motor is arguably the most common and reliable type of kit for commuters as these models are normally the cheapest and easiest to fit and maintain, but they usually offer less performance and feel. Front tires on these rims are less likely to pick up a puncture, as the tire often kicks up road debris. If you need to change the tire, it’s easier on a front hub motor when compared to a rear hub motor. If you place your battery at the rear, then a front hub motor can even out the bike’s weight distribution.
The downside of a front hub motor is that it can’t handle too much power without spinning the wheel. Since front hub motors are considerably heavier than a regular rim, they put excess strain on your bike’s front forks and could damage them.
Rear Hub Motors
Like front hub motors, rear hub motors are reliable and relatively cheap. But they are slightly harder to fit and make changing your tire or tube more difficult. These motors can handle more power than their counterpart, as the weight over the rear tire provides more traction. But if you need to place your battery at the rear, it can lead to unwanted wheelies and an unbalanced feel.
Riders using these motors will feel a natural pushing sensation rather than the unnatural pulling sensation associated with front hub motors. There can also be an unnatural gyroscopic feel with front-wheel motors at high speeds, but not with rear-wheel motors. Rear hub motors could restrict you to 7-speed cassettes due to the size of the hub. Ultimately, these models can provide more performance than front hub motors but sacrifice some practicality.
Mid-Drive Motors
In terms of performance, mid-drive motors are the king. They send power to the rear wheel via your bike’s chain and gear set. This means you can use a lower gear when riding up a hill or when accelerating quickly, which is arguably their main advantage over hub motors. So this type of motor can climb hills faster and for longer without the risk of burning out, but you put your chain and cassette through much more wear and tear. Mid-drive motors are usually lighter than hub motors, and some are so compact that it’s difficult to notice them at a glance.
These kits often use torque sensors at the crank instead of cadence sensors. These sensors deliver power from the motor based on how hard you pedal, which gives a more natural feeling that leads some riders to forget they’re being assisted when pedaling. There are more moving parts in these models, which means there’s more to go wrong. Mid-drive motors are more expensive than hub motors and might not be worth the extra cost for general commuters.
E-Bike Conversion Kit Key Features
Motor Type
As previously mentioned, there are three main types of e-bike conversion kit motors: front hub, rear hub, and mid-drive. The type of riding you do will largely determine what type will be best for you. Front and rear hub motors are relatively easy to fit and maintain. They also place less strain on your bicycle’s drive system. They’re great options for commuters who want to lighten the load on their way to work or simply get around faster. But you could be restricted in terms of what parts you can use, especially when it comes to tires, rims, and cassettes.
Mid-drive motors also work well for commuting, but where they really stand out is off-road. You’ll be able to use whatever chain, cassette, tires, and rims you like, but they’ll need to be heavy-duty to withstand the motor’s torque.
Power
The next thing you should consider is how much power you’ll need. The two figures to consider are watts and newton-meters of torque. How many watts an e-bike motor has is similar to how much horsepower a car has. The continuous wattage is how many watts the motor can sustain continuously without overheating. For people who commute over relatively flat land and aren’t too interested in speed, a 250-watt motor will do. But if you regularly encounter steep hills or ride off-road, you should look for at least a 750-watt model.
If you don’t need to accelerate quickly or ride up steep hills, a motor with around 40 newton-meters of torque will suffice. However, if you often accelerate quickly or ride over rough terrain, look for a kit with at least 80 newton-meters of torque.
Battery
Some kits come with a battery, but many don’t. Even the kits that come with a battery usually have several options to choose from, so you’ll need to decide which one best suits your needs. The larger your motor is, the faster it’ll drain your battery. To figure out how many watt-hours a battery has, multiply its amp hours by its voltage. For example, a 48-volt battery that uses a 10-amp-hour controller will be 480 watt-hours.
If you’re using a 500-watt hour battery, it can deliver 500 watts continuously for one hour or 1,000 watts for 30 minutes, etc. Of course, if you use the pedals and a low motor assistance setting then, you’ll extend the battery life. To determine the right battery for you, you need to consider the size of your motor, how long you ride each day, and how much assistance you want from the battery when pedaling.
Sensor
You’ll encounter two main types of e-bike sensors: cadence and torque sensors. Cadence sensors detect when and how fast the pedals are moving via a sensor at the crankset. These sensors will apply a proportional amount of power from the motor relative to how fast the pedals are moving. Although these models are cheap and easy to fit, they can have jerky power delivery that feels unnatural.
Torque sensors deliver power depending on the force of rotation applied to the crankset. These sensors feel a lot more natural, especially when ascending or descending steep hills. Some riders even forget that they’re being assisted by the motor. When compared to cadence sensors, torque sensors can even extend the battery’s range, as they only deliver as much power as needed.
Compatibility
Before buying an e-bike kit, you need to make sure it’s compatible with your bicycle. If you’re buying a front or rear hub motor, make sure the dropouts are wide enough to accept the electric motor and that the motors will work with the type of brakes your bike uses. Some rear hub motors won’t work with anything larger than a 7-speed cassette.
If you opt for a mid-drive motor, make sure that it’s compatible with your bicycle’s cassette and the diameter of its bottom bracket. Manufacturers list the diameter that their motors are compatible with and (normally) have options to fit various cassette sizes. Mid-drive motors also put considerable stress on your bike’s drivetrain and frame so, if you want a powerful motor, make sure your bike’s components are suitably durable.
Legality
Depending on what you’re going to use your e-bike for, you might need to consider whether it’s legal. At least six states require a license to operate an e-bike. Different states have different speed restrictions for e-bikes ranging from 20 to 30 mph, and some states have limits on how powerful the motor can be. You should check the legal requirements in your state before choosing a kit.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!
Q: Are e-bike conversion kits legal?
A: There are e-bike conversion kits, but whether they are legal or not depends on the state you live in and the e-bike kit you choose. Check out this website to see relevant laws regarding e-bikes in your state.
Q: Can you turn a regular bike into an e-bike?
A: Yes, any bike can be turned into an e-bike. But, if you’re going to use a powerful motor, then you’ll need to consider whether the bike’s frame and components can handle the stress.
Q: Is it cheaper to build your own bike?
A: If you buy the best value e-bike conversion kit and fit it onto your existing bike, it will be cheaper than buying a pre-assembled e-bike. But, if you want a powerful kit and battery and need to buy a suitably tough bike to handle it, it’ll probably be cheaper and easier to buy a pre-assembled e-bike, especially if you would need the help of a mechanic.
